Microsoft’s storytelling tool Sway released for Windows 10

Storytelling tool now available for free download after 10-month testing period.

Microsoft free web presentation app Sway is now available for public download.

Microsoft free web presentation app Sway, the latest symbol of the company’s push away from its old days, is now available for public download.

Sway, which has been in beta testing for 10 months, allows users to add photos, text and videos from your own collection or from Facebook, Twitter, OneDrive and YouTube to tell stories and create presentations.

In a way it’s a challenger to PowerPoint, Microsoft’s own original presentation tool that first debuted in 1987, as well as more modern rivals Prezi and Canva.

Microsoft said users created “hundreds of thousands” of presentations during the 10 month beta test.

“Your invaluable feedback has helped us improve Sway to meet your needs,” Microsoft said.

Microsoft said its new dedicated Windows 10 app offers all the features of Sway on the Web with some additional capabilities on your PC or tablet, for example allowing users to snap photos into Sway using the built-in camera on your Windows device.

Windows 10 users can also access Sway offline, with Microsoft

“While some elements of your Sway may still need the internet (such as interactive maps or cloud-hosted videos), this is a first step in addressing one of the most common feedback requests we heard during Sway Preview,” Microsoft said.

The software is the latest from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella who has introduced a whole range of new products services, moving away from traditional pricing in favour of a subscription, internet-based model.

Sway, which is not subscription-based, is available for free download today on Windows 10 PCs and tablets with a Windows Phone app arriving in coming months.

It also works with Mac, iOS and Android via a web app at Sway.com.